City Hall Roundup: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Says He’s Still Committed to the ‘Four Ps’
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Voters sent a signal at the polls in November that public safety and government accountability are high priorities, and without directly addressing his critics, Mayor Eric Johnson affirmed that those matters are also important to him during his Dec. 5 State of the City address.
As expected, the mayor used the 30-minute speech to double down on his commitment to lowering crime rates while highlighting the “four Ps”: public safety, parks, potholes, and property tax relief.
“These four pillars are essential to Dallas remaining a city of opportunity for everyone,” he said.
Following Johnson’s September 2023 announcement that he was switching his political affiliation to the Republican party, some speculated he might have aspirations of holding a state office — he served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2010 to 2019 — or even an appointment to President-Elect Donald Trump’s cabinet.
But during this month’s State of the City, the mayor emphasized his commitment to Dallas and its residents.
“Dallas voters sent a resounding message to City Hall,” Johnson said, referencing a November City Charter election. “Our residents told us loud and clear that they want more police officers on their streets and a city government that is more responsive, more accountable, and more transparent.”
While the State of the City address is generally viewed as a public relations tool to toot the horn of recent accomplishments at City Hall, it’s also an opportunity to hold Mayor Johnson accountable and ensure that his future actions match his promises as leaders are faced with big decisions in the coming year.
As Downtown Dallas Inc. Communications Chief Scott Goldstein pointed out in his newsletter last week, the mayor’s remark that “City Hall must listen,” came one day after council members voted twice not to hear from Downtown area stakeholders who signed up to speak against selling public sidewalk space for digital advertising.
Mayor Johnson’s full speech can be viewed on YouTube.
Public Safety
Johnson assured residents that he hears them and understands what is important to them.
“And I promise you that I will continue to champion accountability and to put public safety first,” he said. “To that end, I’m going to initiate a process in the coming months to develop Dallas’ first-ever comprehensive public safety policy, which will guide our next decade of decision-making with respect to public safety.”
Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn, who currently chairs the Public Safety Committee, will lead the charge alongside whoever is hired as the new Dallas police chief, Johnson said. Both Police Chief Eddie Garcia and City Manager T.C. Broadnax departed Dallas this year to serve in the Austin administration.
The mayor touted the May bond election when voters overwhelmingly supported a historic investment in streets, parks, and public safety — without raising taxes.
The foundation of the four Ps is public safety, Johnson said, adding that economic prosperity, beautiful parks, and vibrant neighborhoods are only possible when residents know they are safe.
“In order to be a city of genuine opportunity, Dallas must be safe, first and foremost,” he said. “And thanks to our police department, Dallas is safe. In fact, Dallas stands proudly as one of the safest major cities in America.”
Violent crime dropped in 2024 for the second consecutive year, with murders down about 30% from last year.
Mayor Johnson pointed to the data-driven public safety strategies in the City’s Violent Crime Reduction Plan.
He also referenced the line-of-duty death of Dallas Police Officer Daron Burks on Aug. 29, asking that “we always remember his name and that we are forever inspired by his example.”
“Dallas stands firmly behind our police officers,” Johnson said. “This year the City Council passed a funding plan for the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System to ensure that our first responders can retire with the security they deserve.”
Dallas recently started the design phase of a regional law enforcement training center at the University of North Texas and is committed to recruiting new officers and training them at the facility, which was partially funded by the 2024 bond.
“When it comes to public safety, we’re guided by the core belief that all our communities deserve to be safe,” Johnson said. “For that, we need more dedicated, well-trained police officers.”
Parks
Again referencing the May bond, Johnson noted a historic $345 million investment into parks and recreation.
“These funds will bring new parks to neighborhoods across the city, ensuring that every Dallas resident has access to quality green spaces while leveraging further investment in our park system,” he said. “Today, three-quarters of Dallas residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and the Trust for Public Land has ranked Dallas as having the best park system of any major city in Texas.”
He touted Halperin Park, formerly referred to as Southern Gateway Park, over Interstate 35 next to the Dallas Zoo.
“Halperin Park will bridge the gap between communities long divided by that interstate while providing southern Dallas with the beauty, utility, and economic opportunity afforded by a modern park,” Johnson said.
The Harold Simmons Park, a transformative nature preserve along the Trinity River, will be one of the largest parks in all of North Texas, he added. The mayor also pointed to upgrades at Fair Park.
“Everyone loves parks, but our city chooses to invest in them because parks hold real power,” he said. “Parks can revitalize the neighborhoods around them and breathe new life into communities. As powerful economic drivers, parks offer some of the best returns on your tax dollars.”
Parks attract business, spur private investment, and keep families in Dallas, he concluded.
Improving Streets, Lowering Taxes, And Being a World-Class City
Mayor Johnson didn’t step away from the mic before addressing potholes and property taxes.
“Smooth streets make our city better connected and provide improved access to businesses and cultural attractions,” he said. “In a world-class city like Dallas, no one should have to worry about blowing a tire in a pothole on their way to work. Residents have told us time and time again that Dallas needs better streets, and this year we’re answering their call.”
Again referencing the bond and noting that no tax increases were necessary, Johnson said about $520 million is being invested into street improvements.
Just a few months ago the City Council unanimously passed a budget that includes the largest single-year property tax rate reduction in Dallas history, Johnson said. He noted that the Dallas economy is booming and this year achieved recognition as the No. 2 financial capital in America.
“If you know anything about me, you know that No. 1 better look out,” he said. “With the Texas Stock Exchange establishing its headquarters here, Dallas is well-positioned to become a powerhouse of finance and international trade.”
Mayor Johnson touched briefly on the ongoing searches for a police chief and city manager.
“It’s now time for us to get back to work serving you, the people of Dallas, and ensuring that Dallas remains a city of genuine opportunity for everyone,” he said.
